By Abdullahi Lukman
UNICEF, in partnership with the Kano State government and other organizations, has launched a widespread awareness campaign in Kano, urging residents and students to embrace environmental cleanliness and the use of reusable plastics.
The initiative, marking World Environment Day (WED) 2025, aims to combat plastic pollution and foster a healthier environment.
On Wednesday, following a roadshow and tree-planting event at Government Secondary School Kundila, UNICEF Kano Chief of Field Office, Rahama Farah, highlighted the urgency of the campaign.
He noted that over 400 million tons of plastics are produced annually, posing a significant threat to the planet and often contaminating rivers, oceans, soil, and human food sources.
The campaign, which includes plastic waste collection, targets youth and students to become agents of change in environmental advocacy.
Farah explained that this effort aligns with UNICEF’s global Green Rising initiative, which mobilizes youth-led climate action through volunteering, green skills development, and environmental advocacy.
In Nigeria, the Green Rising initiative aims to plant 100,000 trees, recycle 100,000 kilograms of plastic waste, and mobilize 100,000 youth for climate action by 2025.
This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s environmental sustainability goals and promote climate-smart entrepreneurship, especially among young women.
Farah urged young people to continue advocating for reusable plastics, proper waste disposal, and educating their communities about plastic pollution to build a cleaner, greener environment.
Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Hashim, represented by his Special Adviser on Environmental Sanitation, Engr. Abdullahi Bichi, emphasized the need for collective action against plastic pollution.
He called on the public to support the campaign for sustainable practices to create a healthier future.